Shine Stories

3.9 CHARLOTTE'S STORY: From No Workout Routine to Leading Outdoor Backpacking Trips For Teens

Welcome back to the SHINE Stories Podcast! 💙 TW: This episode discusses body image, mental health, and diet culture. In today’s episode, Jess sits down with Charlotte — an outdoor educator, long-time SHINE member, and absolute beam of joy — whose SHINE journey started in 2020 with four roommates, two cats, one bunny, and a living room-turned-dancefloor during lockdown. Charlotte shares: – How SHINE became her structure, community, and mental reset during COVID – Why she returned to SHINE while living 16 hours ahead in Australia – The mindset shift that helped her finally see herself as a “fit person” – How SHINE’s anti-diet message shaped the way she mentors young girls on wilderness expeditions – The shyisms that now live in her head (and her students’ heads!) “If this is how I talk to myself when things get hard… that’s real growth.” Charlotte’s story is a beautiful reminder that fitness is a relationship — one built on joy, confidence, community, and choosing to show up even in the weirdest rooms, time zones, or cabins in the ‘remote wilderness.’ 💙

3.8 RITHIKA'S STORY: From an Inconsistent Routine to Working Out Every Week

In today’s episode, Jess sits down with Rithika, a longtime dancer-turned-young-professional who rediscovered movement after years of inconsistency. After moving to Toronto and searching “dance fitness near me,” she found SHINE FIT—and one free class became a year-long transformation. Before SHINE, Rithika loved movement but struggled to find a workout she truly enjoyed. The gym felt intimidating, workout classes never stuck, and walking was her only form of exercise for nearly six years. Everything shifted when she decided she wanted her next year to feel different. One class at SHINE led to a 2-week intro, then a 6-Week Challenge, and now a consistent routine she’s proud of. In this episode, Rithika shares: – What made her try SHINE after years of stalled fitness routines – How the 6-Week Challenge helped her build real momentum – Why a sticker chart became her secret motivation tool – The surprising moment she realized her body was truly getting stronger – How finding a fun, welcoming space changed her entire approach to movement

3.7 EMILY S'S STORY: From Hating the Gym to 5+ Years of SHINE Online

In this episode, Jess sits down with Emily S, a longtime SHINE member who’s been part of the community for five incredible years. Disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to body image and mental health. Emily shares how she went from dreading the gym to finding a fitness routine she genuinely loved — one that brought her joy, confidence, and connection during some of the toughest years. From joining free lockdown livestreams in 2020 to making SHINE part of her everyday life, Emily’s story is all about consistency, community, and rediscovering movement as something fun. Tune in to hear: -How Emily turned a pandemic routine into a five-year fitness journey -The difference between exercising for joy vs. discipline -Why community makes all the difference when staying consistent You can connect with Emily on Instagram @emilyslosser

3.6 XIU'S STORY: From ACL Surgery to Working out Consistently

In this episode, Jess sits down with Xiu, a Toronto-based software developer who rebuilt her physical and mental strength after a major ACL injury. Before SHINE, fitness wasn’t a priority — until a ski accident and long rehab forced her to rethink what her body could do. A challenging hike with her sister became the wake-up call: she didn’t want to feel limited anymore. One Instagram ad later, Xiu walked into SHINE FIT — and found movement that felt fun again, a community that said her name at the door, and a powerful shift in her mental health. 💬 In this episode, we talk about: – Recovering from injury with confidence and self-compassion – How joyful movement can improve mental health – The power of consistency (and why week 3 changes everything) – Replacing comparison with community and connection If you’re coming back from injury, a low season, or just trying to feel like yourself again — Xiu’s story will remind you that resilience grows every time you show up. 💙✨

3.5 MEGAN M'S STORY: From "Fitness Isn't For Me" to Assistant Studio Manager, Leader, and Moving with Confidence

In today’s episode, Jess sits down with Megan M, a Toronto student and SHINE FIT Assistant Studio Manager who once believed fitness just wasn’t for her. For most of her life, Megan felt like she didn’t fit the “look” of someone who worked out. Growing up surrounded by diet culture and comparison, she thought gyms were for other people — not her. Then one day, during a low point while scrolling on Instagram, she saw a SHINE FIT ad. One free class later, everything changed. That single step became the start of her confidence journey — from nervous first-timer to consistent member, from community volunteer to studio leader. 💙 In this episode, Megan shares: – What it was like growing up surrounded by body comparison and self-doubt – How one welcoming “hello” helped her overcome gym anxiety – The mindset breakthroughs she experienced in SHINE’s 6-Week Challenge – How finding community helped her see herself as strong, capable, and enough “I used to think I wasn’t a fit person because I didn’t look like one. Now I know I am — because I show up.” If you’ve ever doubted whether you belong in a fitness space, Megan’s story will remind you that showing up is the first step and it’s enough.